At the risk of sounding different here, one bad review does not tell the whole story. As Matt pointed out recently, Americans buy one pick up truck per minute.
Here's my 2p worth and a little bit more about my findings so far.
Most of you know that I recently picked up my ex-demo Ghibli and immediately ran it to Le Mans for a spot of racing. It performed faultlessly on the 1400 or so mile trip.
The Car.
It's a "base" model 345bhp v6 petrol with many options as it's ex-demo. The list of options is impressive and includes sunroof, metallic paint, extended leather, heated seats, 21" titanium finish alloys, keyless go, navtrak which all go with the standard spec of sat nav, bluetooth streaming, climate, auto, park sensors, cruise, switchable exhaust etc.
Yes, it's true, there is no lane assist and no active cruise and until the 2016 model, the boot is not auto opening/closing. And the rear view camera is an option which I don't have.
What do I think so far?
I love it. It makes a great noise, build quality is excellent, materials tactile and stylish and the road presence is superb. There is plenty of power and it's so far returning a respectable 26.9mpg since I collected it (2000 miles now). I did see 33mpg on the run up from Kent after Le Mans but I was driving at 75 max for ages with the tunes on. I suspect 28 would be easy to average and 24 if you only drive in city areas mainly. The 21" wheels look great but it tramlines with the road cambers and follows freshly painted white lines. For those that don't need the big wheels (I do, I like the look!), I wouldn't go above 19" as the ride on the car I test drove was better. It does not, however, crash through bumps or potholes and to those who claim Skyhook is a must, I completely disagree. I test drove a Skyhook car and it did not impress me more than the standard car. I'd far prefer a slightly stiffer set up so that I can enjoy spirited driving when the mood takes me than worry about silky smooth progress. The gear selector is amusing and hard to master at first. It seems to go past the intended gear (ie you look for reverse from park and end up in neutral etc) but I've learned that if you think of it more as a button to choose gears rather than as a traditional auto gear knob, it starts to make sense and become easy to use. I suspect that over time I'll start to wonder why they're not all this way. The stereo is decent, I've heard the mega upgrade version is poor but can't comment as I've never heard it. It certainly Pis$$s all over the rubbish fitted to Gransports and 3200s etc. I'd like the reversing camera and recommend that is specced if you buy one. The paddles are also a must and where my only demand when searching for my car. No idea why they're not standard, at least on the petrol versions where the rev range and sport mode make them a lot of fun. In typical Italian style, you have to buy 8 way memory seats when you buy paddles making a £275 bit of metal into a £2200 option!! There are examples of this nonsense in every car so I won't chastise Maserati too much for following the herd here.
Is is better than a 5 series.
Nope but then why the F%%k would anyone want to look like a motorway cop? I don't care how good the 5er is. I don't want one. Never have. I test drove the M5. It's amazing and utterly soulless. I also drove the M4. Looks like a *** styled 3 and goes like stink but I honestly felt like a boy racer/footballer and that's not what I want in a car. It's better than the A6 though which I also drove. That has terrible steering with no feel at all. It's all so efficient that I'd probably need a Red Bull dispenser on board to avoid falling asleep at the wheel.
What have a I planned for it?
Remap for starters. The Ghibli S is 410bhp and the only real difference is a map. Gearbox, lump and turbos are the same. I've found a couple of options and looks like around 420bhp is sensibly achievable. I have no doubt that the chassis can handle it and some. I'll also make some changes to the exhaust note. I don't want to go loud like my Gransport so won't be going for full Larinis this time. I can get sports pipes, back boxes, cats etc from Larini, Quicksilver or Fabspeed but actually I'm looking at creating a bypass pipe that works above a certain rpm. It already has valved rear boxes which change note when sport mode is activated (a la Gransport) and the build looks nice on them. A friend had a bypass made for his QP and it did a great job for not much cash (for you Scots, that's Garry's QP). Seems silly not to try it before I blow circa £2k on backboxes. Other than that, I'm not changing anything. You wouldn't add a colour patch to an Armani suit and I won't ruin the Italian flair with any bolt on nonsense.
Summary
Just like whatever Maserati you own, there are many cars that are better but you don't own them. They don't have a soul, they don't have the same flair, they don't make you feel the same and they're just not as special. I've now owned 2 Gransports a 3200 and have my biturbo (currently being tweeked again) and so I guess I can now speak with some authority. I love Gransports but just about every 911 is a better car. Don't freak out here, I'd have a GS every time but its not the best car ever made and the build quality on some of it is pretty shocking. The 3200 is a lot of fun but flawed in many ways. You forgive the CELs, badly times turbo lag and the various issues because it has a heart and a passion that is difficult to better. I've driven a few QPs too and I also love these (you see the theme, I love all Maseratis!!) but come on, do you think it's a better car than its rivals?
In short, the Ghibli is more of the same from Maserati. It's magnificent, flawed a little, capable and usable. It makes me feel great and will do nicely as my daily driver thank you very much. I don't want to be a sheep. I don't want a German barge. If you do, perhaps you're reading the wrong forum.
